Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has warned that the current government is undermining democracy by using the police to violate both the rights of citizens and the rights of police officers themselves. Speaking in a special statement today, he emphasized that while a democratic country is protected by four main pillars—the legislature, the executive, the judiciary, and an independent media—the government is currently threatening these foundations.
“Currently, a police state is being implemented to prevent the people from accessing the truth. If democracy is to be preserved, media freedom must be secured, and independent media outlets must be allowed to operate freely. This strengthens the process of selection and inclusion,” Premadasa said. He added that the government is using the police to interfere with independent media, suppress it, and issue threats to journalists.
Premadasa stressed that even when the independent media reports based on facts and evidence, any attempt to violate its rights amounts to transforming a democratic nation into a police state.
Independent Media: The Voice of the Silent Majority
“The independent media is the voice of the silent majority in this country. It should not be suppressed. Such suppression is a clear sign of a dictatorial regime. The people did not give their mandate to establish a police state or a dictatorial government. If the government attempts to abolish democratic rights, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya will stand firmly in opposition,” Premadasa said.
Government Influence on Police and Local Governance
The opposition leader further highlighted that the police have been unable to serve impartially due to political influence, and that restricting freedom of speech and expression is pushing the country toward authoritarianism.
Premadasa also pointed out that this influence extends to local government matters, including budget discussions. “The media has the right to reveal the truth, and influencing it violates the rights of 2.2 million people. Currently, even expressing opinions on local government budgets has been obstructed, as seen in Negombo and Horana,” he said.
